Takisha Rainey Stole $25K with Forged Tax Check

New York Attorney General Letitia James has charged Takisha Rainey, 46, of Carle Place, with three felony counts for using a forged tax check to steal $25,000. Rainey allegedly deposited a fraudulent $41,236 refund check into her account and withdrew the cash two days later.

The investigation revealed that on August 15, 2023, the fraudulent check was obtained through social media contact and subsequently cashed out in full at a Navy Federal Credit Union branch. Rainey faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Attorney General James emphasized the gravity of such schemes, stating, “This fraudulent scheme stole from New York taxpayers and deprived the state of resources used to provide health care, education, and other critical services.”

Michael Shollar, DTF Executive Deputy Commissioner, praised the investigators for their work. The investigation is ongoing with collaboration between the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF).

Rainey was arraigned on November 13, 2025, before Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Terence Murphy. Assistant Attorneys General Daniel P. Hughes and Benjamin M. Mastaitis are prosecuting the case.